Strategic Partnerships Lead, External Affairs (Hybrid)

JCRC; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area is seeking an Assistant Director of External Affairs to advance strategy by building meaningful relationships across faith, civic, nonprofit, and government leaders in the Bay Area. The role focuses on convenings, partnerships, and turning conversations into action.

The ideal candidate brings 3–5 years of public affairs experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for collaborative work.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years minimum experience in public affairs, community relations, nonprofit advocacy, or a similar field.
• Understanding of Bay Area political and civic landscape.
• Knowledge of Jewish identity, antisemitism issues, and connection to Israel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with diverse leaders professionally.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently and in a fast-paced team.
• Experience in data management/tracking and CRM software (Salesforce).
• Ability to travel throughout the Bay Area and attend evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Attend meetings and events, representing JCRC professionally in community settings.
• Serve as a welcoming point of contact for allies and partners.
• Maintain partner databases and engagement histories.
• Support planning and execution of relationship-building meetings and events.
• Identify new partner organizations aligned with strategic priorities.
• Coordinate coalition meetings and activities, timelines, and materials.
• Track program goals, outcomes, and participation metrics.
• Lead event logistics, invitations, registrations, and budgets.
• Support travel logistics for leadership delegations.

Skills

Public affairs

Relationship building

Interfaith work

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Project management

Salesforce

Travel readiness

Cultural competency

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

The Assistant Director of External Affairs reports to the Director of External Affairs and plays a key role in advancing JCRC Bay Area’s strategy to build meaningful relationships across the Bay Area. JCRC has a long history of convening diverse communities, building coalitions across lines of difference, and partnering with faith, civic, nonprofit, and government leaders to address issues of shared concern. Through initiatives such as interfaith and intercommunity roundtables, leadership convenings, and collaborative advocacy on issues including combating hate, protecting religious freedom, immigration, gun violence prevention, and strengthening democracy, JCRC works to foster a more connected, inclusive, and resilient Bay Area.

The Assistant Director will help cultivate these partnerships by representing JCRC in the community, coordinating collaborative initiatives and events, and helping turn relationships into meaningful action. The ideal candidate is energized by engaging people from diverse backgrounds, enjoys bringing partners together around shared goals, and excels at translating ideas into well-executed programs and partnerships.

Primary Responsibilities

Partner Engagement and Relationship Management (60%)

Support the cultivation and stewardship of relationships with interfaith, civic, ethnic, nonprofit, and community partners across the Bay Area to advance JCRC’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

• Attend meetings, programs, and community events, independently and with the Director of External Affairs, representing JCRC professionally in a variety of community settings.
• Serve as a welcoming and responsive point of contact for allies and community partners.
• Maintain partner databases, contact lists, and engagement history.
• Support the planning and execution of relationship-building meetings, coffees, and other events.
• Help identify new partner organizations and leaders that align with JCRC’s strategic priorities.

Coalition & Program Coordination (25%)

Coordinate the planning and implementation of coalition initiatives that strengthen relationships and advance JCRC’s strategic priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate meetings and activities for interfaith and intercommunity roundtables.
• Manage timelines, workplans, agendas, meeting materials, and follow-up communications.
• Coordinate speakers, facilitators, and partner participation.
• Track program goals, outcomes, and participation metrics.
• Collaborate across JCRC departments to ensure alignment on shared initiatives.
• Help identify opportunities for collaborative programming with partner organizations.

Events and Logistics (15%)

Lead the operational planning and logistical execution of events that advance JCRC’s External Affairs strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate logistics for convenings, community gatherings, and partner events.
• Manage invitations, sponsors, registrations, and guest communications.
• Coordinate vendors, venues, catering, and event materials.
• Manage event budgets and coordinate invoices and vendor payments, as appropriate.
• Develop event timelines and run-of-show documents. Provide on-site event coordination and troubleshoot logistical challenges.
• Coordinate post-event evaluations, thank-you communications, and follow-up.
• Support domestic and international leadership delegations, including travel logistics where appropriate.

Qualifications and Skills

• 3–5 years minimum experience in public affairs, community relations, nonprofit advocacy, or a similar field.
• Understanding of Bay Area political and civic landscape.
• Knowledge of Jewish identity, understanding issues surrounding antisemitism, and connection to Israel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with leaders from varied backgrounds in a professional manner on the phone, via email and in person.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities; attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a small, fast-paced team.
• Experience in data management/tracking and proficiency with Salesforce or similar customer relationship management software.
• Ability to travel throughout the Bay Area and availability for evenings or weekends events, as needed.
• Cultural competency (ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and identities) and commitment to JCRC’s mission and values.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $95,000-$105,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid time off, and Jewish and federal holidays.
• Hybrid work schedule with a mix of in-office and remote work.

To Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience to [e-mail] with the subject line “Assistant Director, External Affairs.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.